Systems and methods for implementing various metrics for in integrated IAB networks are disclosed. A child IAB node may determine metrics regarding one or more of its data flows and report these metrics to an upstream IAB node (that is a parent node and/or an IAB donor). The upstream node may determine a data flow prioritization configuration using these metrics that it either uses itself or sends back to the child IAB node or another IAB node of the IAB network for use there. Metrics discussed include a number of hops metric, an aggregate throughput per BH RLC channel ID (or per routing ID) metric, a fairness index per BH RLC channel ID (or per routing ID) metric, a packet drop metric, and a per-hop latency for aggregated traffic per BH RLC channel ID (or per routing ID) per IAB node metric.
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2. The method of claim 1, wherein the data flow prioritization configuration is sent to the child IAB node in a BH adaptation header (BAP) protocol data unit (PDU).
A method for prioritizing data flows in a wireless communication network, particularly in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) architecture, addresses the challenge of efficiently managing data traffic between parent and child IAB nodes. The method involves dynamically adjusting data flow priorities based on network conditions, such as congestion or latency, to optimize resource allocation and ensure quality of service (QoS) for critical applications. A data flow prioritization configuration is generated, specifying priority levels for different data flows, and this configuration is transmitted to a child IAB node. The transmission occurs within a backhaul (BH) adaptation protocol (BAP) protocol data unit (PDU), specifically in a BH adaptation header, ensuring seamless integration with existing IAB protocols. The prioritization configuration may include rules for classifying, scheduling, or dropping packets based on their priority, allowing the child IAB node to enforce these rules locally. This approach enhances network efficiency by dynamically adapting to changing traffic demands and network conditions, reducing congestion and improving overall performance. The method is particularly useful in dense wireless networks where backhaul links are shared among multiple nodes, requiring intelligent traffic management to maintain service quality.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the data flow prioritization configuration is sent to the child IAB node on an F1 application protocol (F1AP) interface.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for prioritizing data flows in integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently manage and prioritize data traffic between parent and child IAB nodes to ensure optimal network performance and resource allocation. The method involves configuring data flow prioritization settings and transmitting these settings to a child IAB node via an F1 application protocol (F1AP) interface. The F1AP interface is a standardized protocol used for communication between a parent IAB node and a child IAB node in an IAB network. The prioritization configuration includes rules or parameters that determine how different data flows should be handled, such as assigning priority levels to specific types of traffic (e.g., real-time vs. non-real-time) or allocating bandwidth based on service requirements. By sending the prioritization configuration over the F1AP interface, the system ensures that the child IAB node can properly enforce the prioritization rules, improving the overall efficiency and reliability of data transmission within the IAB network. This approach helps in managing network congestion, reducing latency for high-priority traffic, and ensuring fair resource allocation among different data flows. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple IAB nodes are interconnected, and dynamic prioritization is required to adapt to changing network conditions.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the information regarding the one or more data flows received at the descendent IAB node is received from the descendent IAB node on an F1 application protocol (F1AP) interface.
The invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to the management of data flows in integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks. In IAB networks, data flows are transmitted between a central unit (CU) and distributed units (DUs) through intermediate IAB nodes, which act as both access points and backhaul relays. A challenge in such networks is efficiently tracking and managing data flows as they traverse multiple IAB nodes, particularly when these nodes are hierarchically connected (e.g., parent-child relationships). The invention addresses this by providing a method for receiving information about data flows at a descendent IAB node (a node lower in the hierarchy) and relaying this information to a parent IAB node or the CU. The information includes details such as the identity of the data flows, their quality of service (QoS) requirements, and their routing paths. This information is transmitted from the descendent IAB node to the parent node or CU via an F1 application protocol (F1AP) interface, which is a standardized interface used for communication between the CU and DUs in 5G networks. By using the F1AP interface, the system ensures compatibility with existing 5G protocols while enabling efficient data flow management across the IAB network. This approach helps optimize resource allocation, reduce latency, and improve overall network performance.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the information regarding the one or more data flows received at the descendent IAB node is received from a child node that is not the descendent TAB node in a BH adaptation header (BAP) protocol data unit (PDU).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing data flows in integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks. The problem addressed is the efficient transmission of data flow information between nodes in an IAB network, particularly when a descendent IAB node receives information about data flows from a child node that is not the target descendent node. The solution involves using a backhaul adaptation protocol (BAP) protocol data unit (PDU) to convey this information. In an IAB network, data flows are routed through multiple nodes, including parent and child nodes. The method ensures that a descendent IAB node receives information about one or more data flows from a child node that is not the intended target descendent node. This information is transmitted in a BAP PDU, which is part of the backhaul adaptation protocol used for communication between IAB nodes. The BAP PDU includes headers that adapt the data for backhaul transmission, ensuring proper routing and handling of the data flows. The method improves network efficiency by enabling accurate data flow management across multiple hops in the IAB network, reducing latency and improving reliability. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where dynamic routing or reconfiguration of data paths is required.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the one or more per-hop latency metrics corresponding to the one or more data flows is indicated per a BH radio link control (RLC) channel of each of the one or more data flows.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing data flows in backhaul (BH) radio links. The problem addressed is the need for efficient monitoring and control of latency metrics in multi-hop wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where data flows traverse multiple backhaul radio links. The method involves measuring and indicating per-hop latency metrics for one or more data flows in a wireless network. Each data flow is associated with a backhaul radio link control (RLC) channel, which is used to transmit data between network nodes. The latency metrics are measured per hop, meaning at each intermediate node along the data flow path, to assess the delay experienced by the data as it traverses the network. These metrics are then indicated or reported, allowing the network to monitor and optimize performance. The method ensures that latency measurements are granular and specific to each data flow, enabling precise identification of bottlenecks or delays in the network. By associating the latency metrics with the RLC channel of each data flow, the system can correlate performance data with specific communication paths, facilitating better resource allocation and quality of service management. This approach is particularly useful in multi-hop wireless networks where multiple backhaul links contribute to overall latency.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising configuring the descendent IAB node to timestamp packets of the one or more data flows; wherein the received information regarding one or more data flows comprises timestamps of the packets of the one or more data flows.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to improving data flow management in integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks. The problem addressed is the need for accurate timing and synchronization of data packets in multi-hop IAB networks, where intermediate nodes (descendent IAB nodes) relay traffic between a central node and end devices. Without precise timing, data flows may experience delays, jitter, or synchronization issues, degrading performance. The invention describes a method where a descendent IAB node in the network is configured to timestamp packets of one or more data flows. The timestamps are then included in the information regarding these data flows that is received by another network component, such as a central node or another IAB node. This allows for precise tracking of packet transmission times, enabling better synchronization, latency measurement, and quality of service (QoS) management. The method ensures that timing information is propagated through the IAB network, improving reliability and performance for time-sensitive applications. The descendent IAB node acts as an intermediary, processing and relaying data while adding timestamps to packets. This configuration helps identify delays introduced at each hop, allowing for more accurate end-to-end latency calculations. The invention enhances network monitoring and troubleshooting by providing detailed timing data for data flows, which can be used for optimization and fault detection.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the one of the plurality of metrics is sent to the parent IAB node in a BH adaptation header (BAP) protocol data unit (PDU).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for adapting backhaul (BH) links in integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient communication of performance metrics between IAB nodes to optimize backhaul link adaptation. In IAB networks, where nodes serve as both access and backhaul points, dynamic adjustments are required to maintain reliable connectivity. The invention provides a solution by transmitting one of multiple performance metrics from a child IAB node to a parent IAB node using a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) Protocol Data Unit (PDU) with a BH adaptation header. This allows the parent node to receive critical metrics, such as signal quality, latency, or throughput, in a standardized format, enabling real-time adjustments to backhaul links. The metrics are used to dynamically configure parameters like modulation schemes, transmission power, or scheduling to improve overall network performance. The method ensures seamless integration with existing IAB protocols while enhancing adaptability in heterogeneous network environments. By encapsulating metrics in a BAP PDU, the solution minimizes overhead and ensures compatibility with current wireless communication standards. The invention is particularly useful in dense urban deployments where backhaul links are prone to interference and require frequent optimization.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the one of the plurality of metrics is sent to the parent IAB node using an F1 application protocol (F1AP) interface.
The invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for transmitting performance metrics between network nodes in a 5G New Radio (NR) architecture. The problem addressed is the efficient and standardized transmission of performance data, such as latency, throughput, or error rates, from a child Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node to its parent IAB node. In 5G NR, IAB nodes extend network coverage by relaying data between user equipment (UE) and the core network. However, existing systems lack optimized protocols for reporting performance metrics between IAB nodes, leading to inefficiencies in network monitoring and optimization. The invention describes a method where a child IAB node measures one or more performance metrics related to its operation, such as signal quality, data throughput, or latency. These metrics are then transmitted to the parent IAB node using the F1 Application Protocol (F1AP) interface. F1AP is a standardized protocol in 5G NR for communication between a distributed unit (DU) and a centralized unit (CU), but this method adapts it for IAB node communication. The parent IAB node can use these metrics to adjust routing, allocate resources, or trigger handover procedures to improve network performance. The method ensures compatibility with existing 5G NR standards while enhancing the efficiency of IAB node performance reporting.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more number of hops metrics are each calculated by incrementing a counter received at the child IAB node that corresponds to a data flow received at the child IAB node.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing data flow metrics in integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient tracking of data flow paths in multi-hop IAB networks to optimize routing and resource allocation. The method involves calculating a hop metric for data flows in an IAB network, where each IAB node (referred to as a child IAB node) increments a counter for each data flow it receives. This counter represents the number of hops the data flow has traversed from its source to the child IAB node. The hop metric is then used to determine the path length or latency for routing decisions. The method ensures that each child IAB node accurately tracks the hop count for incoming data flows, allowing the network to assess path efficiency and make informed routing choices. This helps in minimizing latency, improving reliability, and optimizing resource usage in multi-hop IAB deployments. The approach is particularly useful in dense or dynamic wireless environments where path selection impacts overall network performance.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more aggregate throughput per BH RLC channel ID metrics or the one or more aggregate throughput per routing ID metrics for the one or more data flows are each calculated by dividing a number of RLC service data units (SDUs) by a number of corresponding acknowledgements received for the RLC SDUs.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for monitoring and optimizing data flow performance in radio link control (RLC) channels. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and efficient measurement of throughput in wireless networks to improve data transmission reliability and efficiency. The method involves calculating aggregate throughput metrics for data flows in a wireless communication system. These metrics are derived by analyzing the performance of individual RLC channels or routing identifiers (IDs). Specifically, the throughput for each data flow is determined by dividing the number of RLC service data units (SDUs) transmitted by the number of acknowledgements received for those SDUs. This calculation provides a measure of how effectively data is being transmitted and acknowledged, which is critical for assessing network performance and identifying potential bottlenecks. The method can be applied to multiple data flows, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of network performance across different channels or routing paths. By tracking these metrics, network operators can optimize data transmission, reduce latency, and enhance overall system efficiency. The approach is particularly useful in environments where reliable and high-speed data transmission is essential, such as in 5G and other advanced wireless communication systems. The invention provides a practical solution for improving data flow management in wireless networks by leveraging RLC layer metrics to assess and enhance transmission performance.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more per-hop latency per BH RLC channel ID metrics are each calculated by referring to one of system frame numbers (SFNs) and subframe numbers received in each of the one or more data flows.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for measuring and managing per-hop latency in backhaul radio link control (BH RLC) channels. The problem addressed is the need for accurate latency measurement in multi-hop wireless backhaul networks to ensure efficient data transmission and network performance optimization. The method involves calculating per-hop latency metrics for each BH RLC channel identifier (ID) by analyzing system frame numbers (SFNs) and subframe numbers received in data flows. These metrics help track the time taken for data to traverse each hop in the backhaul network, enabling better network monitoring and troubleshooting. The technique ensures precise latency measurement by leveraging timing information embedded in the data flows, which is critical for maintaining quality of service in wireless backhaul communications. The method may also include determining the latency for each hop by comparing the SFNs and subframe numbers of transmitted and received data packets. This comparison allows for the identification of delays introduced at each network hop, facilitating the detection of bottlenecks or performance issues. The calculated latency metrics can then be used to optimize routing, prioritize traffic, or adjust transmission parameters to improve overall network efficiency. By focusing on per-hop latency measurement, this invention provides a granular approach to monitoring and managing wireless backhaul networks, ensuring reliable and timely data transmission across multiple hops.
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January 14, 2021
May 21, 2024
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